The Saturate Podcast

Like the previous two years, 2022 has been a mixed bag for many. Often we define our world by what's broken or what's been lost. We need to remember that the cup of sorrow can also be the cup of joy. In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt takes some time to reflect on what God has done through Saturate this past year and looks forward with anticipation to another year of God's faithfulness.

In the early days of Advent, we drive out to the Beck family farm to cut down a Christmas tree. Our only rule is it must be shorter than “Mom” so it will fit in our house. This rule is always disappointing, especially as you walk around towering and beautiful trees. Instead of those giants, we pick a tree that only slightly dwarfs Charlie Brown's. And yet, once we bring the tree into our house, we realize it's too big. There isn't room. We have to move furniture, change our seating arrangements, and move lamps out of the living room. It inconveniences everything. It disrupts our feng shui. Our children clamor to decorate it as fast as possible, placing all the ornaments on the bottom half of our tree. The whole, lovely experience involves getting muddy, dirtying our car, moving furniture, pulling boxes out of the basement, and attempts at teaching a five-year-old the aesthetic of a balanced Christmas tree. This is one of my favorite moments. It's the moment we prepare room in our house for the Christmas season. It's the moment we make our house ready for the ongoing celebration that is full of expectation of God's arrival. This physical discipline and family moment is an outward expression of what takes place within us. You are a Disciple and Worshipper of God Advent is a fresh invitation from God to prepare room in our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies to worship Him. This is the call to worship we hear as we sing in Joy to the World: “Let every heart, prepare him room.” This is not merely a missional call toward the world but it is a call to each other and ourselves in community. Many leaders and missional communities forget we are welcomed into a life of enjoying God, knowing His love, and experiencing His presence in our lives. We forget that we are God's mission and on God's mission. You and your community were created to live the gospel in unity with God. To taste the grace of God through repentance and faith. To worship God through confession. To know the depth of God's love by listening to God. Christopher Friedrich Blumhardt notes the discipline we undertake of preparing room and searching for God's work today…even in the ordinary. "One does not always have to wait for something out of the ordinary. The all-important thing is to keep your eyes on what comes from God and to make way for it to come into being here on the earth. If you always try to be heavenly and spiritually minded, you won't understand the everyday work God has for you to do. But if you embrace what is to come from God, if you live for Christ's coming in practical life, you will learn that divine things can be experienced here and now." This requires an intentional focus, just like the welcoming of a Christmas tree into your living room. How will you prepare room in your heart? How will you look for God's presence? How will you tune your ear to hear His voice? At Saturate, we've created several resources to help disciples, families, and communities walk through this Advent with intentionality, hope, and joy in our Savior, Immanuel, God with us. You're invited to join us. FINDING JESUS IN THE WAITING This Advent, we invite your community to work through the “O Antiphons” during your weekly community gatherings. These are six liturgical poems, written by the early church for reading during Advent. Each one focuses on an Old Testament metaphor for the coming Messiah and will guide your community through a time of reflection on Scripture and prayer. Access with Membership PREPARING ROOM This 25-day devotional is a guide into the glorious reality of God Himself comin...

Many of us have come to believe that being needy and weak is a bad thing—even a sign of spiritual immaturity. As a result, we may have also come to believe that feelings are not good. In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt makes a biblical case for the purpose of emotions and weakness to lead us to find our needs met in relationship with God and others.

Chuck Gschwend, spiritual director for the Saturate board and director of culture and spiritual formation at the Eden Project, joins Jeff Vanderstelt to talk about the importance of making spiritual direction a priority for healthy leaders.

Each of us has an image in our head of who God is. That image, however, has been distorted and leads us to interact with a false view of God. The true image of God is seen and declared through Jesus. That truth is: God is love. When we know this both intellectually and relationally, it changes everything. In this podcast episode, Nathan Wagnon, CEO of the new start-up The Eden Project, shares with Jeff Vanderstelt how everything hinges on our image of God being reformed through the ultimate reality that God is love.

Todd Wermers, Director of Coaching at Tin Man Ministries, joins Jeff Vanderstelt in this episode and shares about his painful and transformative journey from sexual brokenness, leading him to lose his job, enter into recovery, restoring him to emotional health, and finally into helping others get their hearts back. Todd unpacks the common story of emotional brokenness that we all share and how Tin Man Ministries walks leaders back to emotional health through the transformational process.

Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Jeff Schulte, Founder and President of Tin Man Ministries, who shares about his journey from brokenness toward emotional and spiritual health, which led to the formation of Tin Man Ministries.

Jeff Vanderstelt interacts with Doug Paul, from Catapult, around the common struggles churches have in developing disciple-making strategies with an aim to provide practical solutions. In particular, Saturate and Catapult are partnering together to provide a Disciple-Making Digital Workshop on October 6, 2022 and two year-long Disciple-Making Labs beginning in January and May 2023. Listen to learn more and find out how you can get the help your church needs.

In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Brian Johnson and Rob Wegner, leaders with the Kansas City Underground, about how they equip everyday people for disciple-making in everyday life leading to MicroChurch expressions so that all of Kansas City will one day be filled with the presence of Jesus.

  In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Myron Pierce, founder of Mission Church, Every Inner City, and Side Hustle Pastor, to learn more about transferable forms of disciple-making in everyday life in the inner-city context.

  In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Dave Clayton, founder of Awaken Nashville to learn more about how the churches in Nashville collaborated on an initiative to pray for every person in their city for 30 days. Gospel saturation in a city or region requires ongoing, collaborative prayer to align ourselves with the heart and purposes of God in our city.

  Gospel saturation in a city or region requires ongoing, collaborative prayer to align ourselves with the heart and purposes of God in our city. In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Alexis Phillips, Jeff Vancil, and Chris Gough about how they've seen God's Spirit aligning churches and leaders in the Puget Sound. Recently, a unique and decentralized movement of prayer is being realized in the Pacific Northwest region of the US.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Ben Connelly talks with Alan Hirsch, Shaun Alexander, Bob Roberts, and Elliot Grudem about his recent book, A Field Guide for Genuine Community. This is the final episode of our mini-series and we hope that in this episode you learn about community as teamwork, the difference between community vs communitas, and community with those different than us. You can check out genuinecommunity.com for more info and download the 1st chapter. Activate your free Saturate membership trial at saturatetheworld.com/membership where you'll get access to hundreds of resources on living in community, everyday discipleship, and  life on mission.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Ben Connelly talks with Trillia Newbell, Daniel Im, Jeff Christopherson, Atanasio Segovia about his recent book, Genuine Community. The church isn't meant to be a collection of strangers. God intends for you to find a unified and purposeful household where you truly belong. Trillia, Daniel, Jeff, Atanasio each share the beauty and challenges of life in community. You can check out genuinecommunity.com for more info and download the 1st chapter. Activate your free Saturate membership trial at saturatetheworld.com/membership where you'll get access to hundreds of resources on living in community, everyday discipleship, and life on mission.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Ben Connelly talks with Bob Goff, Doug Logan, and Melissa Ice about his recent book, Genuine Community. We all know that a church is supposed to be a community. The trick is to actually make it one. Bob, Doug, and Melissa each share what community looks like in their lives and why it's essential as we follow Jesus. You can check out genuinecommunity.com for more info and download the 1st chapter. Activate your free Saturate membership trial at saturatetheworld.com/membership where you'll get access to hundreds of resources on living in community, everyday discipleship, and  life on mission.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard talks with Dawson Jones about leading the church post-crisis. When things go wrong, people quickly become disoriented. Leaders are responsible to gain clarity and to reorient people into a new reality. Dawson Jones has been tasked with just that after the tragic death of the Lead Pastor of Soma Tacoma. We talk through God's faithfulness in crisis, the surprising way people rise up to help, and how suffering refines us to be more committed to God and one another. 

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard talks with Jared Pickney on the critical role of metrics as we pursue the Great Commission together. People work on what you measure, people duplicate what you celebrate. Jared shares how they experienced their church increase 150% in annual baptisms by only changing one thing.  If you're wondering what we should be measuring as churches on mission, this episode is for you.    

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard talks with Chuck Gschwend about leading yourself to ongoing spiritual renewal. Chuck has been on a multi-year, deep dive on all things Richard Lovelace's book Dynamics of the Spiritual Life. We talk about... A vision for your ongoing renewal. Preconditions/barriers to renewal. Currency, or the kind of environments you'll need. Fuel - the drive for ongoing renewal. Practices - spiritual disciplines which make space to receive from God. If you are looking to better lead yourself or others in your ministry to ongoing spiritual renewal, this episode is for you.  Learn more about Chuck's Renewal Cohorts here.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard talks with Nathan Wagnon about discovering our distorted images of God and the gift of reforming people's view of God. Discipleship is about communing with the living God and participating in His Kingdom, but the over-correction to intellectual resistance has led many to abandon the experiential reality of communing with God, for right thoughts about God. We hope this episode helps you consider how God is inviting you to see and experience Him more truly and fully.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard talks with Amy Lathrop and Alison Martin about the important topic of women's ministry as women's discipleship. If we are to see Gospel Saturation, it will require us to mobilize the entire church, which certainly includes women. If you've experienced women's ministry as theology-lite or overly simply content or if you just have a suspicion that there is more for women on Jesus' mission, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard and Jeff Vanderstelt discuss developing elders in a church of missional communities. As go the leaders, so goes the church. This is no less true in a church of missional communities. Jeff and Duke answer the question, how do we ensure elders are qualified, equipped, and effective to lead the church? We hope this conversation gives you at least one next step to establish or strengthen your elder development process. 

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard and Jeff Vanderstelt will be joined by Chris Gonzalez and Paul Dean. In 2020, we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Soma Family of Churches and we want to pause and look back and discuss what we have learned. Our conversation today asks the question, "what did you believe 10 years ago that you believe even more now?" Some things we were convinced of 10 year ago, some we were surprised by, some weren't even in our awareness.  Family identity Discipleship requires significant relationships Story-formed Ministry is harder but for reasons you don't understand We assumed Spiritual Formation Pew-sitters are found in any ecclesiology Leadership development matters Run the play but be flexible Team is better Our greatest failures are failures of faith, hope, and love  

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard will be joined by author and Spiritual Director, Adele Calhoun. Our hope is that as you listen, you gain a clearer understanding of how essential it is for disciples of Jesus to learn how to “be with Jesus” as the foundation for discipleship and ministry. Check out Adele's Spiritual Disciplines Handbook.

 In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard and Jeff Vanderstelt talk with Jeremy Stephens and Tomy Wilkerson from The Underground. We'll talk about micro churches, the similarities and differences between them and missional communities. We learn from what The Underground has learned over the 10 years of decentralized discipleship. 

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Jeff Vanderstelt and Duke Revard talk about family discipleship in the everyday stuff of life. In COVID we've seen some of our discipleship structure break down which has revealed both the ways parents are and aren't equipped to disciple their kids. So while family discipleship is alway important, it is perhaps one of the most important areas for us to give attention to as we equip others in this season.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard and Jeff Vanderstelt talk with Will Plitt, Executive Director of Christ Together about unifying churches in a city for Gospel Saturation. Will and Jeff make the biblical case for unity on mission. They share some of the proven principles which lend themselves to unity and other practices that derail churches working together. This episode is both information and an invitation to engage in gospel saturation with Christ Together and Saturate. 

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Duke Revard and Jeff Vanderstelt step in as new hosts to launch a new season. Duke and Jeff discuss how the COVID reality has shone a bright light on how we view the church and how we're doing at making disciples. They discuss different responses they are seeing and what leaders and churches can do to seize the opportunity God is giving us in these strange days.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson looks back at the first 103 episodes and makes a few observations on the choices we all face in this "missional moment". Brad also announces an exciting change to the podcast and his role in it. Be on the lookout for next season hosted by Duke Revard and Jeff Vanderstelt. Special thanks to: Jared Pickney, Sara Parker, Sunee Hillyer, Ben Fort, Amy Lathrop, Josh Cherian, and many regular guests and listeners.

  In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Chris Gonzalez about city-based theological education that reimagines seminary to be something that is for everyone and for the long-term transformation of not only our churches but our cities. They talk about endurance and learning environments that build the kingdom.

    In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt, Bob Roberts, and Ben Connelly talk about lessons they've learned from the global church on decentralized movements. This conversation is inspiring, encouraging, and challenging as we faithfully seek to be who God made us in the times he's placed us.  

  In this episode, Brad Watson talks with Chuck Gschwend about prayer and revival, particularly in how to pray for revival in our missional communities and churches and how we overcome cynicism through prayer. 

In this episode, Brad Watson and Ben Connelly talk about the importance of equipping disciples during this season. They discuss why a quarantine doesn't keep us from doing this, but creates new challenges and opportunities. In fact, it may be more important than ever.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Dawson Jones of Tacoma, Washington about how the gospel of Jesus applies to us in this very moment. They share insights on what they're experiencing, learning from Jesus, seeing in their churches, and what they believe matters today. They ask three questions that are crucial for being present in circumstances: What is Jeus saying to us right now? Where do we see the Spirit at work right now? What is important right now?

Who should be in your community? This episode of the Saturate Podcast walks through how you can build a committed group of disciples for your missional community. They talk through the basic steps of casting vision, setting expectations, and inviting disciples to commit to the process of becoming a missional community.

What is the purpose of missional communities? This episode of the Saturate Podcast Brad and Jared explain how mission is a fundamental key to missional community and what a common mission is. They also share ideas on how to establish mission and take steps into it before you "officially" launch your missional community.

In this episode, Brad Watson and Jared Pickney discuss the fundamental need for leaders in missional communities. This conversation goes into the nature, cost, and expectations of a leader. Lastly, they talk about the need to find support and coaching as a leader--try not to start without that kind of support.

In this episode, Brad Watson and Jared Pickney talk through the key step of understanding what a missional community is, and crafting your own vision. Before you can start a missional community, you need to know what they are and what they aren't.

In this episode, Brad Watson and Duke Revard talk with Jeff Schulte, of Tin Man Ministries, about leadership health and the codependency that exists in humans. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Soma Family Retreat, this conversation dives into parts of Brad's story, boundaries, and the way of pursuing health.

  In this episode, Brad Watson talks with Ben Connelly about the new Jonah study for communities and churches. They dive into the topics about grace, city revivals, and loving those you don't want to love. But more than that, they discuss how we are all God's mission, even when we're on God's mission. Start reading the first chapter for free today!

  In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Winfield Bevins about what we can learn from Weslyan revival movement in the 18th century. They talk about the discipleship systems, vision, and transformative power from this movement. Learn more about this topic by getting Winfield's book, Marks of a Movement and get resources mentioned at marksofamovement.com

  In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Atanasio Segovia about what God is doing in Latin America with Familia Soma, and they dive into how missional communities and churches can be on mission to latinos across the world.   Want to continue learning? Register for our upcoming webinar with Atanasio.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Ben Connelly and Brad Watson talk about the book of Ephesians and the study that Brad wrote on that book for communities that launched on August 19th. They discuss how the wonder of Scripture creates and transforms lives.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Nathan Oliver and Pete Greenwood from Melbourne Australia about what God is doing in their city and how the gospel is moving through their churches both in the suburbs and inner city.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Bethany and Chris Priebe of Peoria, Arizona about living intentionally within apartment complexes. Then, Brad talks with the CEO of Apartment Life, Pete Kelly, about how they are connecting business and everyday mission. Learn more about being a team member at www.apartmentlife.org/saturate 

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Al Henson of Compassionate Hope about making disciples and caring for the poor. Al has been making disciples, caring for the poor, and planting churches for 40 years. In this conversation Al and Brad talk about suffering, persecution, living the gospel, and the how each disciple is called to participate in God's mission locally and globally.

  In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with three aerospace engineers on what it is like to live the gospel in their workplace and industry while also making disciples within a missional community.

  In this Episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with lawyer and public defender, Ryan Wolfe about how the gospel shapes his calling and vocation to be an advocate for those who have can't afford one. They discuss how the mission of God shapes their entire life and how he and his family lives a life on mission and in community while in the legal justice system.

  In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Katie and Andrew about being a family with a special needs child and being a family on mission. They share their story on how everything God gives us is a gift that shapes our understanding of the gospel.

  In this episode of the Saturate podcast, Brad Watson talks with Trip, Sarah, and Mirela about being parents as disciples while living as a community on mission with their kids. They talk about what it means to be a parent of teenagers, newborns, and school-aged children. They cover topics about capacity, equipping, and the help of community.

In this episode of the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with Hope, Austin, and Jared about living out the gospel in everyday life within the entertainment industry. They share insights on the power of the gospel, community, and mission as they succeed in careers that often don't value those things at all.

In the first installment of a new series on the Saturate Podcast, Brad Watson talks with three disciples at Soma in Los Angeles about living life with gospel intentionality as they work in customer service jobs. They discuss the challenges, opportunities, and role their missional communities play in seeing Jesus saturate their work.